New Years Eve Ball drop today in Rensselaer Falls

RENSSELAER FALLS – A village couple is gearing up to host the third annual New Years Eve First Night at the Falls tonight.

Artists Tammy L. Cotton and Donald D. Sendlak will host First Night at the former Methodist Church, 107 State St.

The public is invited to begin gathering around the old church at 11 p.m.

This is the only ball drop we know of in St. Lawrence County, Ms. Cotton said.

About a 100 people attend the ball drop each year.

We want to draw people from at least a few towns around, Mr. Sendlak, a millwright and fabricator, said.

A quarter of the size of the New Years Eve Ball in New York City, Rensselaer Falls ball measurers 3 feet in diameter and features 360 tear-shaped LED lights and a mirror ball inside. It will drop from a boom extending from the bell in the steeple of the church.

Its a low-budget thing for us to do to bring the community together, Ms. Cotton, a painter and sculptor, said. It takes us a little bit of time, but it is totally worth it to bring smiles on peoples faces.

The glittering ball was raised Monday night. It will be lit for most of the day today until it is turned off at dusk, Mr. Sendlak said.

Parents tell us they enjoy making special memories for their kids, Ms. Cotton said. That is what means the most to me and knowing these kids grow up with their own tradition.

The couple decided to host the ball drop several years ago, after they moved to the area.

The community has welcomed us so graciously, Ms. Cotton said. We have met some really wonderful people. This was really a way for us to give back to the community for embracing us.

The couple plans to open Sanctuary, an art gallery featuring commissioned art and performing artworks, in the old church. The gallery will include a lounge serving adult beverages, light foods and coffee.

Its moving along slowly but surely and we hope it will become a restaurant and entertainment venue for the village, Mr. Sendlak said.

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